Memorial Day Celebrations In Minnesota

May 13, 2013 5:00 AM

With the abundance of Memorial Day events, it is easy to find a meaningful way to remember those who have died in military service. Each event provides its own unique emotional or intellectual message rousing awareness of those we wish to recognize and honor. As we mature personally and as our country matures as a society, we become more cognizant of the intrinsic value of participating in these events.

Cannons booming, muskets firing, games, costumed interpreters, hearth cooking and American Indian lore make this Memorial Day Weekend a great time to visit Fort Snelling. Kids can earn a special Fort Kid’s button by participating in the History Hunt scavenger hunt. Check out the special African American history tours while you are there. This historic fort is crammed with interesting information. Learn about its origin in the early 1820s, the history of fur trade, slavery in Minnesota and the military activity from before the Civil War and leading into the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

On Monday, Memorial Day, you can see large-scale military demonstrations, costumed staff and re-enactors interpreting different eras of military life in Minnesota history. Experience the evolution of uniforms, equipment and weapons brought to life in honor of America’s men and women in uniform. Children can explore Minnesota’s oldest military fort with fun games. Veterans are especially welcomed with free admission all day.

Ride in Percheron horse-drawn trolley rides available the entire weekend. View Major Murphy’s inn, a ferry crossing, the Pond Grist Mill, a scenic river trail and a river overlook wall. Meet fur traders, townsfolk and farmers along the way. A Wild West Show event is added to Sunday’s schedule. On Monday only, meet Civil War soldiers, play baseball and ride in Wilderness Inquiry canoes. Then catch the special Memorial Day ceremony at 2 p.m. The Landing was formerly known as Murphy’s Landing. Established in 1969, it boasts 88 acres dedicated to depicting life in the Lower Minnesota River Valley from the 1840s–1890s.

Lakewood Cemetery honors veterans and all loved ones on Memorial Day. The Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony is at the Soldiers Memorial. Following the Ceremony will be guided walking tours of Civil War heroes buried at the cemetery, along with horse and carriage rides with views of Lake Calhoun, trolley tours of Lakewood’s history, art and gardens and music in Lakewood’s historic chapel, from noon to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to all.

Enjoy the beautiful Minnesota spring outdoors on the southwestern shore of Mille Lacs Lake. This outdoor event honors American Indian veterans of the past and present. The museum will be open that day for an admission fee. It tells the story of the Band’s journey to settle in Northern Minnesota. It also tells the tale of treaties made and broken, past and present. Get your mementos at the Trading Post from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Valleyfair will honor our hometown heroes on Memorial Day weekend. Any member of the armed service, active or veteran, will receive a free regular admission ticket. Along with free admission, any member of the family of an active or veteran military personnel will be able to purchase up to six discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family for $29. This is a deeper discount than what Valleyfair offers online or at the gate. Just bring your military ID to a Valleyfair ticket window during the weekend to receive this offer. The family discount is actually available all season long but the free military admission is during Valleyfair Military Appreciation Days.

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.